Speaking after the Lakers’ 120-91 victory over the Utah Jazz, Bryant told the Los Angeles Times those who are criticizing Cutler for leaving the game do not understand what the injury is actually like.

“They should leave that alone,” Bryant told the L.A. Times. “They have no idea what it’s like, especially with commentators who have no idea what an MCL even is or what it’s like to walk on it or to play on it, let alone get hit on it and sacked on it as many times as he has.”

Bryant himself has undergone surgery on his right knee, to the point where he says he has little cartilage left under his kneecap.